OKC Barons

I know there's not a lot of hockey fans on here but you guys need to go watch the Barons at the beginning of the season. With the NHL lockout happening the AHL is going to be filled with lots of young NHL players and the Barons are going to be loaded. RNH, Eberle, Schultz, and Paajarvi have been assigned to the Barons already.

I know there's not a lot of hockey fans on here but you guys need to go watch the Barons at the beginning of the season. With the NHL lockout happening the AHL is going to be filled with lots of young NHL players and the Barons are going to be loaded. RNH, Eberle, Schultz, and Paajarvi have been assigned to the Barons already.

I'm pretty excited about Eberle and Nuge playing in OKC. Wish Hall was healthy, would love to see him in a Barons jersey.

OKC Barons

I went to their first game but haven't made it back since. I need to go more often, although I wish they played at The Peake.

And **** Bettman and the owners.

I'm actually glad they play in a smaller venue like the Cox (formerly Myriad). The arena would look cavernous if they played at the 'Peake as the Barons only draw between 2k to 4k (and even that could be generous) depending on the game, sometimes more on the weekends or specials promotions. The Blazers should have never left the Myriad for the old Ford Center because this issue.

I wish we had a hockey-centric arena (I know, huge pipe-dream) that sat about 6.5k to 8k. Something like the Dallas Stars' affiliate has in Cedar Park outside of Austin. That arena sits about 8k, and is also used for rodeos, concerts, graduations, etc.

Also, stinks we have no NHL to watch, but at least Edmonton is sending us some marquee players during their lockout. Despite no local NHL team in OKC, we still get to watch NHL level talent in Nuge and Eberle, among others. Hopefully that helps increase attendance a bit as well.

I wish we had a hockey-centric arena (I know, huge pipe-dream) that sat about 6.5k to 8k. Something like the Dallas Stars' affiliate has in Cedar Park outside of Austin. That arena sits about 8k, and is also used for rodeos, concerts, graduations, etc.

What about the possible new convention center? Do you think they'll make it more hockey friendly?

OKC Barons

What about the possible new convention center? Do you think they'll make it more hockey friendly?

I'd rather they just make a multi-use sports arena specifically for hockey, but could also be converted for Big 12 basketball tournaments, state HS basketball playoffs, concerts, graduations, etc. Nothing too extravagant or too large capacity wise. It'll never happen in OKC, though, not enough support for hockey to make if feasible. I would certainly vote for it on a MAPS ballot, though.

OKC Barons

Barons' training camp starts this Sunday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. with free open practices at the Cox Center.

They have two preseason games at home, both against the Houston Aeros, on Friday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 6. Both games start at 7 p.m., and admission is free with a donation of money or supplies to Infant Crisis Services. The team suggests baby bottles, sippy cups, new/gently used toys, Good Start formula, diapers, pacifiers, baby shampoo and coats from 2T to 6.

OKC Barons

The barons twitter account just posted that Hall is skating with the team while he rehabs his shoulder. Probably won't play anytime soon, but at least he's in OKC. Kind of neat to have four NHL-caliber players and NBA superstars in our city at the same time. Who would have thought this was possible 15 years ago?

OKC Barons

What's the story on tickets to Friday's game? What kinds of crowds do they draw?

Sorry about that, haven't checked the thread in a while. Crowd size fluctuates. Usually around 2,500 to 3,000, more on the weekends an big promos. Oftentimes less than that. Just tough attracting fans when you have the Thunder next door.

Anyone know why we have been struggling this season? I usually attend quite a few games but this season I have been way too busy and haven't made it out yet. So I haven't seen our chemistry and stuff. I was really hoping for a strong start to the season. As of right now we are on the outside looking in (9th seed in West)

Not the same depth and chemistry as last season. They're great at giving up games in the last minute and/or losing in shootouts. The stars don't care if the Barons win or not. They're just working out until the NHL cranks back up.

I'll say this, if Hall, Eberle and Schultze end up in the NHL this year, this team is trouble come playoffs time. They depend way too much on these guys.

OKC Barons

Hall, Eberle and Schultz are in Edmonton getting ready for the opening of training camp. A few other guys, like Paajarvi and Hartikainan, may be moving up as well. Kind of bittersweet, but it was fun watching those players in OKC sweaters the last few months.

Went to the game last Friday night. They were giving away hockey sticks so I went. This was the first game we played since Hall, Schultz, and Eberle were gone. Lost 7-0. It was horrible. Then the Oilers just called up Hartekeinen, Tuebert, Pajarvi, and Vandevelde. Might be a rough season from here on out. Unless they send any of those 4 back down. But I doubt it, because those 4 guys are real solid players

OKC Barons

Barons definitely won't be as good without Eberle, Hall, Nuge and Schultz, but the core of the team is basically the same as last year's WC finals team. It may even help some of the guys like Pitlick, Green, Arcobello, VandeVelde, etc, and the new ECHL call-ups, to be more of the main focus of the team rather than the Big Four. Basically the mid season NHL training camp could be a distraction for the fringe NHL players, and it'll probably get back to normal after the NHL rosters are finalized. Remember, NHL camps are usually finished by the time the AHL teams are in their own camps, so this year is kinda ass-backwards.

Little update, Barons advanced to the Western Conference Finals last night, winning their series against Texas 4-1. They'll play the winner of the Grand Rapids-Toronto series, which GR leads 3-1. Next Barons home game will be May 29.